A meeting will be held in Felixstowe to discuss the proposed merger between Ipswich and Colchester hospitals.

Ipswich Star: Dr Shane Gordon, who will speak at the meeting, is director of integration for the merger. Picture: ARCHANTDr Shane Gordon, who will speak at the meeting, is director of integration for the merger. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The event on Tuesday, February 13 will be held at the Orwell Hotel, in Hamilton Road, from 3-4.30pm.

Dr Shane Gordon, director of integration for the merger, will give a presentation on the progress of the plans, which will see the trusts that run the two hospitals becoming a single organisation.

Dr Gordon will set out how merging will help the new NHS trust to see patients at the right time, recruit and retain the best staff and provide more of the latest treatments locally.

It will give residents an opportunity to fully understand and debate the changes. Attendees will be able to ask questions, make suggestions and raise any concerns they might have.

Ipswich Star: Alan Rose, of the Howard House patient participation group (PPG) in Felixstowe. Pitcure: NHS IPSWICH AND EAST SUFFOLK CCGAlan Rose, of the Howard House patient participation group (PPG) in Felixstowe. Pitcure: NHS IPSWICH AND EAST SUFFOLK CCG (Image: Archant)

The event has been organised by the patient participation groups (PPGs) at Felixstowe’s four GP practices - Howard House, The Grove, Walton and Haven Health - in conjunction with the hospitals and NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group.

This is also a chance to learn about the work of PPGs, which are run by a volunteer group of patients at each practice, with the aim of strengthening the relationship between patients and staff and ensuring primary care needs are best being met.

Alan Rose, a PPG member at Howard House and organiser of the event, said: “It is important that as many people as possible are aware of the implications of a merger and have the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.

“The town’s four PPGs have worked together to arrange this event, recognising the impact that this could have on local hospital services. We’re grateful to the hospitals for being so willing to attend and explain the plans.”

Dr Shane Gordon said: “We know that changes can be worrying, but they are also an opportunity to make things better. It is really important to hear from the local residents we serve to help us shape the services we provide.”